Is £100 too much for a day out with kids?

[Worriedandscurd]

So this is a silly question but I recently got a new job. I was a single parent and struggled for many years. This new job pays a lot more, something I could never of dreamed of and things are seemingly falling into place.

I took my two kids out today, we went to an activity had food in a nice restaurant and spent £100 including travel. At the time I just thought how nice it would be to finally treat us. But now I feel anxious, I have the money spare. It just seems so so excessive. Is this excessive? I could of saved a bit here and there but they had such a lovely day. Honestly this isn’t me bragging. I had some months before where I genuinely didn’t know whether to heat my house or feed my kids. I just need to know from people who do this regularly if it’s too much?

@CasaBonita

It depends on the activity really. Some are more expensive than others. If you think you had value for money and everyone had fun then don't worry about it!

This.

If you can afford it and afford to do it often, then crack on. If you're getting yourself into debt to do it every weekend, then it's not a good idea.

I tend to have splurging days out and balance it with cheaper ones.

Easily done. We spent today at the seafront, myself, husband and 4 kids. I haven't totted up what we spent but it'll have been very close to, if not over £100. I don't think it's excessive, once in a while.

I completely get you OP! I hate spending money because I’ve always been poor. But this was a day out that you’re DCs will remember. I don’t think you can put a price on memories.
Enjoy your money because you can’t take it with you

Sounds reasonable if it's affordable and similar to what I would budget for a 'big day out'. I previously had times where money was really tight and don't want to go back there so I get that spending it feels wrong.

So that I feel I'm keeping control I work out a budget to cover half term, summer hols, etc then split it into x big days out (zoo type thing, meal out, expensive activity), x cheap things (local cinema - about £20, bowling) and x almost free things (swimming, walk and picnic) so for example £300 becomes 2 big days out, 4 cheaper things and a few almost free things, then kids get to pick what we do. Helps them understand the cost of things and the concept of saving in certain areas to fund other things you want.

I think you should try and enjoy the fact that you can treat your children now.
Its very easy to get to £100 if you include food. I remember the first time I took my son out for a meal when the £5.99 kids menu was no longer enough and the bill was £50 for the two of us.

When we go on holiday we will probably have one day that costs about that, mixed in with cheaper days.

If it helps, also bear in mind that you are supporting the economy
Joking aside, all these attractions have had a terrible year or two and will need us all splurging to keep them afloat.

OP even though we can well afford things now, I always have the same feelings after even small purchases, let alone stuff like this. It's a hangover from not having much, from counting the pennies, going without so you can afford to pay for electric. I am still careful with money and quite frugal, but now as long as its not going to leave us short, i enjoy it.

4 of us had a day in Legoland 25 years ago and I remember that with a small lego gift for 2 dc as well as entry and food we spent about £100.

A treat 2 or 3 times a year isn't wasteful if you can afford it.

I watch what I spend but if you think about it we haven't been able to spend much for months. So a treat was in order!

Well done on your new job

I hark back to those old MasterCard adverts... £100 for a day out with the kids... memories, priceless.

(Advertising totally doesn’t work on me!)

So pleased that you had a lovely day!

My parents never, ever took us anywhere that you had to pay to get in when we were growing up, even though they could’ve afforded it and we both really resent it because it was purely because they didn’t want to spend the money. You did something nice for your children, remember you can’t take it with you!

It's hard to get out of the habit of being poor.

Being poor is a hard habit to get out of.

To help you feel more at ease you could create a new budget with your current salary.

It is also worth looking into passes or memberships for many places. These often work out a lot cheaper over a year even if they cost a bit more up front.

Doing nice things with your dc is a good thing though if you can afford it.

I hope you all enjoyed it!
I’m a bit out of touch with prices and my DC are all grown up now but did spend many years as a lone parent with limited income
We used to mix and match it quite a bit - expensive attraction but took own food - mid price - maybe took drinks n snacks but would allow lunch and a treat from gift shop
We would alternate with free/cheap outings - museums - treasure trails - swimming
I think you will find what works for you - don’t feel guilty though the memories n live are priceless

Love not live

£100 doesn't buy much in the way of a family day out anymore.

Entry tickets can be £10-35 each depending on what you do.

Snacks and a treat come in at £20-30

Petrol & parking again depending on location

This factoring in a packed picnic lunch for £15

So no, I don't think £100 is excessive. If you said £200 I'd think you probably could have done it for less.

@muchtoocold

Sounds reasonable if it's affordable and similar to what I would budget for a 'big day out'. I previously had times where money was really tight and don't want to go back there so I get that spending it feels wrong.

So that I feel I'm keeping control I work out a budget to cover half term, summer hols, etc then split it into x big days out (zoo type thing, meal out, expensive activity), x cheap things (local cinema - about £20, bowling) and x almost free things (swimming, walk and picnic) so for example £300 becomes 2 big days out, 4 cheaper things and a few almost free things, then kids get to pick what we do. Helps them understand the cost of things and the concept of saving in certain areas to fund other things you want.

I wish swimming was almost free here! Costs us £24 as a family of 4 for an hour in a small section of the leisure centre pool!

That’s a good idea I will be using when my kids are a bit older though. Writing a budget and putting the price on days out then letting them help choose. Mine are too young at the minute so have no idea of the cost of things. We have an annual pass for our local small theme park that we use their Xmas money to buy. It’s a godsend when you all need a day out but don’t want to spend much as a we take a picnic and it’s practically free then!

Congratulations on getting your new job OP! I bet that's through a lot of hard work and perseverance and will make a big difference to your kids.

Guilt is one of our default settings as women but You earned this! Think of being able to splurge occasionally as the well-deserved celebration.

We are pretty comfortable financially but I remember the shock of when kids became tweens and days out jumped from about £30 for farm visits/ puppet shows/ days at beach to £100 for attractions/ theatre/ proper meals type days out. So get how much you might fret if money is a worry.

Can you give yourself a monthly budget and 'permission' to spend it. Because a great day out is a brilliant memory and you can talk about it for years. Cost will fade into insignificance quite quickly as long as you aren't having to compromise on daily bills to afford it.

You all enjoyed it,your dc have happy memories,after covid lockdown you all deserve it.it was a rare,happy ,expensive day out.🌈 look back and smile,worrying will not change how much it cost,it's done,don't mar your memory with worry.🌈

Op I think that is fine. Of course, if that was instead of feeding the family for a fortnight, it wouldn't be OK. But if that's fun money, what a lovely way to spend it.

And no, £100 all in for a day out for three is not a lot. Tickets to a theme park say £45 (I don't know), meal at cafe £10 per head minimum, travel say £15 petrol, sounds cheap tbh.

Just enjoy it. Presumably they went without these treats before, so just make the most of it without guilt or grudge.
Congrats on your new job!

Cinema last week cost £20 (1xadult 3xchildren) We had a sunday lunch dinner out as an extra treat (£47) parking was £5 & travel was about £10.

Looking at local attraction when DP can come and older Dc (2x adults 2xteens 2c younger children) entry will easily be £85...
and food out will likely be £50-60!
Its all so expensive!

I think it sounds brilliant. Your kids will remember it for a long time :)